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2008 NFL Draft Preview – Tennessee Titans
by Joseph
Mays
NFL Draft Analyst
4/21/08
Introduction
Tennessee
was back in the playoffs last year for the first time since 2003.
A sturdy defense and dynamic rushing attack was enough for them to
compete in most games. However, were unable to always overcome
defensive lapses or a stalled running game due to the ineffectiveness
of the passing game. Vince Young is a lively QB and can win games
with his feet but he can also lose games with his arm. He has
shown little progression with his throws in two years. This is
not entirely his fault as the Tennessee organization has surrounded him
with a group of mediocre WRs that would best suited as third or fourth
options. For the Titans they are one’s and two’s.
Having to draw Indianapolis and Jacksonville twice a year is not a
blessing. The Titans compete in arguably the toughest division
and must address their weaknesses through the draft. The
organization has failed to retain many of their own free agents and was
not a player in free agency. Albert Haynesworth may only be
around for one more year and when he is gone, as was demonstrated
during the games he missed last year, so is their defense.
| Offseason Transactions (as of
April 19) |
| Player |
Action |
Comments |
| David Givens |
Cut |
Unsigned |
| Kelly Herndon |
Cut |
Unsigned |
| Albert Haynesworth |
FA |
Franchised |
| Daniel Loper |
FA |
Resigned |
| Justin Gage |
FA |
Resigned |
| Travis LaBoy |
FA |
Signed with Arizona |
| Ben Hartsock |
FA |
Signed with Atlanta |
| Antwan Odom |
FA |
Signed with Cincinnati |
| Gilbert Gardner |
FA |
Signed with Detroit |
| Chris Brown |
FA |
Signed with Houston |
| Randy Starks |
FA |
Signed with Miami |
| Jacob Bell |
FA |
Signed with St. Louis |
| Ben Troupe |
FA |
Signed with Tampa Bay |
| Chidi Iwuoma |
FA |
Unsigned |
| Donnie Nickey |
FA |
Unsigned |
| Eric Moulds |
FA |
Unsigned |
| Michael Waddell |
FA |
Unsigned |
| Robert Reynolds |
FA |
Unsigned |
| Benji Olson |
Retired |
Retired |
| Alge Crumpler |
Signing |
From Atlanta |
| Dwayne Blakely |
Signing |
From Atlanta |
| Josh Stamer |
Signing |
From Buffalo |
| Jake Scott |
Signing |
From Indianapolis |
| Justin McCareins |
Signing |
From NY Jets |
| Chris Carr |
Signing |
From Oakland |
| Jevon Kearse |
Signing |
From Philadelphia |
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| 2007 Statistics |
| Offense |
| Points/Game |
18.8 |
22nd |
| Yards/Game |
311.7 |
21st |
| Rush Yards/Game |
131.8 |
5th |
| Pass Yards/Game |
179.9 |
27th |
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| Defense |
| Points Allowed/Game |
18.6 |
8th |
| Yards Allowed/Game |
291.6 |
5th |
| Rush Yards Allowed/Game |
92.4 |
5th |
| Pass Yards
Allowed/Game |
199.2 |
10th |
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Areas
of Need
The biggest needs
are on offense. How well will a patchwork line protect VY?
Who will he rely on during 3rd down and in the red zone?
Surrounding your franchise QB is a smart thing to do but recently the
Titans haven’t done so. Depth is a bit of a concern at a few
other areas as well.
Running
Back – This isn’t a high priority but another body would be
nice. Chris Brown is in Houston now. LenDale White and
Chris Henry were a lethal 1-2 punch last year but the former can be
injured easily and Henry has off the field issues. Adding an
insurance policy in the late rounds is the right thing to do.
Possible Targets (Round) – Mike Hart, Michigan (4); Thomas Brown,
Georgia (4); Allen Patrick, Oklahoma (5); Justin Forsett, California
(7); Dantrell Savage, Oklahoma State (7)
Wide
Receiver – Big need! Big need! This seems to be the
logical choice in the 1st round but everyone thought that last year
too. Castoffs and late round picks are catching balls from
Young. There should be a potential playmaker available at 24 and
here’s to hoping the Titans jump.
Possible Targets (Round) – Limas Sweed, Texas (1); DeSean Jackson,
California (1); James Hardy, Indiana (1); Earl Doucet, LSU (2); Jordy
Nelson, Kansas State (2)
Offensive
Line – This unit has been hit hard. Jacob Bell signed with
St. Louis and Benji Olson retired leaving both guard spots open.
Jake Scott was brought in to fill one of those openings. Michael
Roos has LT locked down. Kevin Mawae is aging and there will be
some no-names competing for the RT job. Adding a young center and
tackle is a necessity.
Possible Targets (Round) – OC Mike Pollak, Arizona State (2); OG Chilo
Rachal, USC (2); OT Carl Nicks, Nebraska (3); OG Roy Schuening, Oregon
State (3); OT Oniel Cousins, UTEP (3)
Defensive
Line – Albert Haynesworth could leave in 2009. Randy
Starks left this year. AN upgrade over DT Tony Brown or DE Bryce
Fisher would be nice. With the signing of Jevon Kearse DT is a
bigger priority. If Kentwan Balmer is available at 24, and the
WRs are gone, he could be the choice. If not, they will be
looking to add a DE and DT in the mid and late rounds.
Possible Targets (Round) – DT Pat Sims, Auburn (2); DT Dre Moore,
Maryland (2); DE Chris Ellis, Virginia Tech (3); DE Darrell Robertson,
Georgia Tech (3); DT DeMario Pressley, N.C. State (4)
| 2008 Draft Picks |
| Round |
Pick
(Overall) |
Comments |
| 1 |
24 (24) |
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| 2 |
23 (54) |
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| 3 |
22 (85) |
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| 4 |
25 (124) |
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| 4 |
35 (134) |
Compensatory |
| 5 |
22 (157) |
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| 7 |
22 (229) |
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